n.
Pronunciation: ' m ē n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English mene, from imene common, shared, from Old English gem ǣ ne; akin to Old High German gimeini common, Latin communis common, munus service, gift, Sanskrit mayate he exchanges
Date: 14th century
1 : lacking distinction or eminence : HUMBLE
2 : lacking in mental discrimination : DULL
3 a : of poor shabby inferior quality or status < mean city streets> b : worthy of little regard : CONTEMPTIBLE ― often used in negative constructions as a term of praise <no mean feat>
4 : lacking dignity or honor : BASE
5 a : PENURIOUS , STINGY b : characterized by petty selfishness or malice c : causing trouble or bother : VEXATIOUS d : EXCELLENT , EFFECTIVE <plays a mean trumpet> <a lean, mean athlete>
6 : ASHAMED 1B
– mean · ness \ ' m ē n-n ə s \ noun
synonyms MEAN , IGNOBLE , ABJECT , SORDID mean being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity. MEAN suggests having such repellent characteristics as small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity < mean and petty satire>. IGNOBLE suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit <an ignoble scramble after material possessions>. ABJECT may imply degradation, debasement, or servility < abject poverty>. SORDID is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness <a sordid story of murder and revenge>.